Since the payment was deposited into your account on 1/6/2025, it would typically be considered income for 2025, even though the tenant paid it on 12/31/2024.However, if you use cash-basis accounting (which most landlords do), the key factor is when you physically receive the money, not when it was sent or owed.

Purchase price: $187,000 Cash invested: $15,000 Sale price: $259,000 I got tired of moving place to place and worrying about finding roommate, security deposits and not having enough money to deal with maintaining someone elses home.

The numbers no longer look nearly as good on these investments (now more like speculation) and I will now be forced to get my deposit back or accept this new price.

-Make sure your kitchen appliance package matches up with price point.

If you can make some relationships prior to that with agents in the area who do what you want to, you can find yourself on a team or at a strong brokerage that matches what you want to do.

Re-read your contracts, document your correspondence (and attempts) with your builder and demand documentation to match up any payments/draws with what's actually been competed on your build.

You could put a small deposit instead of 20% on a loan.  

Let them move in with a deposit and first months rent. 

My buddy sold for ~$500k over its existing use value and no contingencies and did not even convey existing tenant’s deposit.  

A good property manager can help with tenant screening, enforce lease terms, and handle evictions more efficiently if it comes to that.Require a Larger Security Deposit: Within the bounds of local regulations, a larger deposit can provide a cushion in case of damage or unpaid rent.Consider Rent Guarantee Insurance: Some companies offer insurance products that can cover lost rent in case of tenant default.